Views of a local who has been in the hospitality side of the wine biz full- or part-time for over 20 years. Maybe more importantly, an avid consumer of the local wines for over 30 years. Mostly general comments on the California wine business because that's what I know.
Sometimes there's nothing like a good Sonoma Whine! If you don't take my comments too seriously then neither will I. After all, it's only wine.

Norton Safeweb

Friday, November 20, 2015

Winter 2015-16 Events in Sonoma County

Major Wine-Related Events for December-March

This is the quiet time of year in the wine country and a great time to visit.

Late January in Alexander Valley

December 2015

Many wineries have their own holiday open house events on the weekends leading up to Christmas. Check with your
favorites and see if they have anything going on. There are numerous holiday events, concerts, dinners, etc.

For Christmas Eve many wineries will close early or all day. Almost all are closed on Christmas Day (bah humbug to anyone open).

January 2016

Most wineries are closed on New Years Day.

16-17Winter Wineland.
It's an annual open house at over a
hundred wineries in northern Sonoma County. There will be wine sales,
plus some will offer food, art shows, or tours. This is the big wine event
for the winter. Info

30-31 RateBeer Festival. No, it's not wine, but if you're into craft beer you probably know about RateBeer. Their annual awards festival is in Santa Rosa. Info

February 2016
For Valentine's Day
many wineries put on chocolate and wine pairings or even host a
lunch or dinner. Check with your favorites to see if they have anything
going on.

12-15 Cloverdale Citrus FairAmong the many family-focused events there's a wine tasting for the adults. Info

13 Sweet 116. An open house event at about a dozen wineries along and near Highway 116 in the Russian River Valley. Info

26-28 VinOlivo.
Celebrating the local olive harvest. The main event is a wine and olive tasting. Info27 Eighth Street Wineries Open House. Several small producers in a warehouse area of Sonoma open up for visitors. Info

March 2016

4-6 and 11-13Barrel Tasting. The first
two weekends of March are the Barrel Tasting weekends in northern Sonoma
County--an open
house at over 100 wineries. The party takes place along Dry Creek Road and in Healdsburg. If you want it slightly more sane then head for Russian
River Valley or Alexander Valley. Info

19-20 Savor Sonoma Valley.
Sonoma Valley has it's
own version of barrel tasting. A little more expensive than the previous two weekends and not as crazy. Info